White Lake Township honors chef, emergency medical technician

White Lake Township officials recently announced a proclamation for two local individuals. Executive Chef James Rigato of the Root Restaurant was honored for having been nominated "Best New Chef" by Food and Wine Magazine

White Lake Township officials recently announced a proclamation for two local individuals.

Executive Chef James Rigato of the Root Restaurant was honored for being nominated "Best New Chef" by Food and Wine Magazine, an honor, they said, bestowed on only 100 chefs nationally.

He is the only nominee from Michigan to be listed in the 2013 Best Chefs America reference book. Thomas Zaske? was presented with the VFW outstanding emergency medical technician for 2012 by Gerald Gorski, state surgeon for Veterans of Foreign Wars Michigan.

The award was in appreciation for his dedicated service with the White Lake Fire Department.

"He has demonstrated a record of extraordinary and courageous service," officials said.